Doha Forum

Minister Kono visited Qatar and Jordan from December 14th to 15th, 2019.

On December 14th, Minister Kono attended the 19th Doha Forum for the first time as Japanese defense minister. He made a speech and held bilateral meetings with some defense ministers attending the Forum.

Minister Kono’s Speech

At the plenary session, he made a speech on “multilateral security cooperation” in which Minister Kono stated the importance of cooperation to overcome global challenges in the increasingly complex global security environment and the need for the international community to stand together to uphold the rule of law.

Japan-Qatar Defense Ministerial Meeting

Minister Kono held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs of Qatar, Khaled bin Mohammad Al-ATTIYAH. Both ministers welcomed progress in Japan-Qatar defense cooperation and exchanges, and confirmed to continue deepening defense cooperation and exchanges in areas such as education and training.

Japan-Malaysia Defense Ministerial Meeting

Minister Kono held a meeting with Minister of Defence Mohammad Bin Sabu of Malaysia.

Both ministers agreed to further advance cooperation for defense equipment and technology based on the conclusion of the Agreement concerning the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology in April 2018.

Meeting with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Jordan

Minister Kono held a meeting with Lieutenant General Youset HUNEITI, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Jordan. Minister Kono visited Jordan for the first time as Japanese Defense Minister. Minister Kono and Lt Gen Huneiti exchanged views on issues such as security situations in the Indo-Pacific region including the Middle East.

During his stay in Jordan, Minister Kono visited the Royal Tank Museum where JGSDF Type 61 MBT is exhibited.

Japan-China Defense Ministerial Meeting

On December 18th, Minister Kono visited China for the Japan-China Defense Ministerial Meeting with Wei Fenghe, Minister of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China. It was his first visit to China as Minister of Defense in ten years.

Minister Kono expressed concerns over Chinese military activities in the East China Sea, including in the sea and airspace around the Senkaku Islands. He strongly urged for a positive response from China. The two ministers shared their recognition of the importance of stability in the East China Sea. Regarding the South China Sea, Minister Kono noted the importance of demilitarization of disputed features.

In addition, the two ministers welcomed the steady progress in Japan-China defense cooperation, and they agreed to continue promoting mutual trust and understanding, as well as accelerating the coordination for an early establishment of a hotline.

During the visit to China, Minister Kono paid a courtesy call on Vice Chairman Xu Qiliang of the Central Military Commission on December 18th and inspected the 3rd Guards Division of the People’s Liberation Army on December 19th.

Japan-U.S. Bilateral Exercise, Forest Light (MA)

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conducted the domestic field training exercise, Forest Light (MA), with the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) from December 1st to 13th.

The exercise strengthened ties between the JGSDF and USMC, and enhanced interoperability under respective chains of commands by practicing procedures necessary for bilateral operations.

MV-22 Osprey from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma participated in this exercise under the training relocation program, which aim to reduce impacts on Okinawa by promoting alternative training venues in mainland Japan.

Naming and Launching Ceremony for Minesweeper JS Etajima

On December 12th, the naming and launching ceremony for the minesweeper JS Etajima was held at Tsurumi Works of Japan Marine United Corporation’s Yokohama Shipyard.

The name “Etajima” is taken from an island in Hiroshima Prefecture of the same name where the Imperial Naval Academy was established in 1888. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) 1st Service School and the JMSDF Officer Candidate School are also located at Etajima.

Compared to conventional minesweepers, the JS Etajima is made of fiber reinforced plastic and has the capacity to conduct minesweeping activities in deeper waters.

Specifications

• ▷Displacement: approx. 690 t
• ▷Length: 67.0 m
• ▷Width: 11.0 m
• ▷Depth: 5.2 m
• ▷Speed: approx. 14 kt
• ▷Occupants: approx. 55
• ▷Engine: 2 diesel engines (two shafts)

Christmas Drop 2019

From December 4th to 16th, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) participated in the operation Christmas Drop, HA/DR training in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The Christmas Drop was launched by the U.S. Air Force in 1952 and is held annually around the Christmas season. The participating nations dropped the donated items (food, supplies, books and toys) to the islanders of the FSM, the commonwealth of Northern Marianas and the Republic of Palau. This was the fifth time the JASDF has participated. The JASDF was joined by the Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Through this exercise, the MOD/JSDF improved HA/DR capabilities and strengthened cooperation with the participating countries.